Hector Ivan Ortiz holds undergraduate degrees in Communications and Sociology, a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, and a Master of Public Health from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 2023, he earned the prestigious Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University.

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A recipient of the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship and Fordham University's Aging Workforce Scholarship, Hector has dedicated his career to advancing health equity among vulnerable populations. He has worked with older adults in long-term care facilities, individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City, and patients with chronic health conditions compounded by social risk factors. His professional experience includes roles at Bellevue Hospital’s Safety Net Clinic, the Mount Sinai Health System, and other healthcare settings.​

 

Beyond his clinical and public health work, Hector has been deeply involved in community-centered initiatives, volunteering with organizations such as the Social Work Anti-Racist Initiative at Mount Sinai, New York Cares, and CUNY Citizenship Now!.​ Recognizing the urgent connection between climate change and public health, Hector developed the Climate AID model to equip healthcare staff with tools to address climate-related risk factors affecting patients living in unsafe housing or experiencing homelessness. He has presented the Climate AID Model across various healthcare settings in NYC and has attended multiple conferences at the United Nations, advocating for sustainable, health-centered interventions.